When considering energy-efficient homes, one tends to think of double-pane windows, well-insulated attics and radiant barriers, as well as LED lighting. To Russell Crosby, owner of Plan Contract Build, however, these efficiency targets on their own are merely the beginning of an opportunity.
Crosby has been developing single-family custom homes for some 25 years. His current passion project is building passive-energy households that take full advantage of the natural energy characteristics in materials to achieve extremely low energy consumption. His recent endeavor—a unique single family luxury home in Chatham Township, New Jersey—is based almost entirely on low-energy construction. In fact, this particular home utilizes many energy efficient products and methods to qualify as an ENERGY STAR® low-energy home, a Department of Energy Zero Energy Ready Home and a Certified Passive House. Each accreditation carries its own rigorous standards.
One of the most important aspects of passive-home construction is insulation. Crosby’s Chatham Township home utilizes significantly more insulation than in typical residential construction, with deeper I-joists required to accommodate the additional thickness of insulation on walls and floors. Specifically, continuous insulation has been installed on both the inside and outside of this home, as well as a full 10 inches beneath the basement slab. This allows for the sprawling 13,000 square-foot residence to comfortably utilize a heating and cooling system similar in size to one found in a typical 1,000 square-foot apartment, according to Crosby.
“Essentially, you’re putting a winter coat on the outside of the house,” Crosby said.
With all of the increased insulation, framing for a home like the one in Chatham Township is crucial. Considering the vital support that I-joists provide, Plan Contract Build depends on engineered wood product manufacturers like Boise Cascade for product quality and selection. In this particular application, 14-inch-tall and 20-25-foot-long I-joists have been specified.
“Distributors offer engineered wood products like those from Boise Cascade, simply because they are a higher quality product,” said Crosby. “Cheaper products are more economical, but ultimately they will cost you more, because they’re much more likely to shrink or warp.”
Availability of engineered wood products plays a huge role as well. Crosby depends upon his dealer and manufacturers working together so he can stay on time and on budget.
“With Boise Cascade, my company rarely has to wait for materials from the distributor, even when we’re ordering custom I-joists,” said Crosby. “While framing may not be the flashiest or sexiest aesthetic in a passive home, it nevertheless plays a vital role.”
According to Crosby, the most important features of the home are products that homeowners rarely see or think about.
“Without a high-quality backbone, the structure could split, twist or even buckle under its own weight,” said Crosby. “Framing is fundamental to homes. Boise Cascade’s selection and the reliable availability of their products offer a full spectrum of solutions ideal for complex architectural challenges. They’ve been a great partner to our business.”